Gigvatn Hike

Hike overview

The Gigvatn hike takes you to an exceptionally pure lake located in the heart of the Icelandic Highlands, near the Eldgjá canyon. The water is crystal clear and ranges in color from green to deep blue, depending on the lake's depth. This route takes you through a beautiful, untouched landscape where you are unlikely to encounter another person!

Remarks

Access: F-roads are only open in the summer, and a 4WD vehicle is required. From the south, take the F208 road. No river crossings are necessary.

Read more: See the section on driving in the Highlands for more information.

Difficulties of the hike

Despite the very low number of visitors, this hike follows an excellently marked trail. The route is almost flat and presents absolutely no difficulty.

What you'll love

  • Exceptional color palette: The crystal-clear waters of the lake display shades ranging from green to deep blue, depending on the depth and lighting.
  • Total immersion in the Highlands: This hike takes you to the heart of the Icelandic Highlands, an authentic, unspoiled volcanic landscape.

Hike technical sheet

Activity: Hiking
Difficulty: EasyiDifficulty levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Average duration: 1 hiFind out how we calculate the duration here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Length: 2.9 km
Type of route: Out and back
Elevation gain: 50 m
Maximum altitude: 452 m
Vertiginous: NoiVertiginous levels explained here:
➡️ Hiking parameters
Marked: Yes
Popularity: Very low
Region: Highlands
Start point: 63.93789, -18.63897

Map and elevation profile of the hike

Gigvatn Hike